A major long-term commitment has been made by the Vancouver Canucks, as the team’s general manager locked in an eight-year contract extension with rising star defenceman Zeev Buium just hours before the deadline. The move secures the future of the highly touted young player, who is currently in the final year of his entry-level deal and has already drawn comparisons to elite NHL defensemen. With the extension finalized late in the day, the Canucks solidify their defense core while sending a strong signal about their confidence in Buium’s development. The decision comes as teams race to lock in top prospects before the offseason concludes.

Vancouver Canucks General Manager Ryan Johnson was excited to announce an eight-year contract extension for defenceman Zeev Buium late Friday afternoon. The 20-year-old defenceman is in the final year ...